Background: In terms of physical performance, elastic tape (ET) is known to contribute to injury prevention and performance enhancement. Objects: This study aimed to compare and analyze the effect on lower extremity muscle activity of young adult women with and without ET during squats. Methods: In this study, six healthy, young women were recruited as participants in a university laboratory. Participants were allocated to two groups of three after measuring muscle activity in a pre-test, and the experiment was conducted for a total of two weeks (two sessions). First, 10 half squats were taped once in the first week, and 10 half squats were performed without taping in the second week. The other group did this in reverse and measured muscle activity after the squat was over. Results: As a result of this study, there was no significant difference in the quadriceps with or without ET (Z = –0.11, p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was found in hamstring (Z = –0.31, p > 0.05). Conclusion: No beneficial effect was found on changes in muscle activity following ET application during squats. Further studies require randomized controlled trials that increase the number of participants and the intensity of the intervention, and measure pain, function, and performance rather than muscle properties depending on the biomechanical lifting mechanism.

본 연구는 하지 부종 및 셀룰라이트를 고민하는 여성(평균 36.2세; 23명)을 대상으로 9주간 근막 이완기법을 시행하기 전·후의 부종과 셀룰라이트의 변화를 검증하는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 위하여 선행연구를 토대로 연구 모형을 설계하고 신체 분석을 통해 실증분석을 하였다. 하지부종과 둘레 분 석은 체성분 분석기(Inbody 970, Korea)로 측정하였고, 셀룰라이트 단계는 셀미터(cell-meter., Ita liy)로 측정하여 결과를 도출하였다. 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 근막 이완기법이 여성의 체수 분과 세포외액에 긍정적인 결과(p<.05)를 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째, 근막 이완기법이 여성의 하지 둘레에 유의미한 영향(p<.01)을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 근막 이완기법이 여성의 셀룰 라이트에 긍정적 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구 성과는 근막 이완기법이 여성 하지 부종 과 둘레, 셀룰라이트에 유의미한 영향을 미쳤다는 성과가 있지만 근막 이완기법이 여성 하지의 신체 적 요인에 대해서만 검증한 점이 한계라 할 수 있다. 근막 이완기법의 통합된 효과를 볼 수 있도록 향후 연구에서 여성의 심리적 변화 변수들을 추가하여 심화된 연구를 진행하기를 기대한다.

이 연구의 목적은 6주간의 플라이오메트릭 트레이닝이 태권 시범선수의 서전트 점프, 자세 조절 및 하체 부상 준거에 미치는 영향을 보고자 하였다. 이 연구에 참여한 대상자는 대학 태권 시범선수 20 명을 대상으로 운동군 10명과 통제군 10명을 무작위로 분류하였다. 운동군은 주 3회, 60분, 6주간 실시하였고, 통제군은 일반적인 훈련을 하였으며, 사전 사후 서전트 점프, 배근력, 자세 조절 및 하체 부상 준거를 측정하였다. 연구 결과, 배근력에서는 유의하지 않았으나 서전트 점프에서는 유의한 증가가 있었다. 자세 조절에서는 앞쪽은 경우 유의하지 않았으나 좌·우 후방 외쪽과 안쪽에서는 유의한 증가가 있었고, 종합점수 결과 하체 부상의 위험성은 없는 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로 플라이오메트릭 트레이닝은 순발력, 자세 조절, 하체 부상 방지 및 재활에 적극적으로 활용할 필요가 있는 훈련 방법이다.

Background: Shoes cover the feet and ankle joints and come into contact with the ground directly during walking, and the shape of shoes is related to the muscle tone of the lower extremity muscles. However, no study has been conducted on the muscle tone of the lower extremity after wearing combat boots. Objectives: To compare and analyze the effects of walking in combat boots and in athletic shoes on muscle tone and stiffness, to identifying the effect of the characteristics of shoes on the muscle tone. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into a combat boots group and an athletic shoes group, and interventions were implemented. Both groups walked for 30 minutes on a treadmill at 4.2 km/h. MyotonPRO was used to measure the muscle tone and stiffness of the lower extremity. The measuring sites were set to five muscles on both legs. Results: In the combat boots group, muscle tone and stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius on the dominant side, the muscle tone and stiffness of rectus femoris, and the muscle stiffness of hamstring on the non-dominant side significantly decreased after walking. In the athletic shoes group, there was no significant change in the muscle tone and stiffness. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used to inform the wearing combat boots while walking on a treadmill reduces the muscle tone and stiffness of the lower extremity compared to athletic shoes. It indicates that the restriction of joint movement occurring when wearing combat boots influences reducing muscle tone and stiffness.

Background: The hip muscle plays various roles. Several types of functional performance tests are used for the assessment of patients with various lower extremity injuries. Hip muscle functions are important to test the performance of maintaining the spine, pelvic, and leg during bridging exercise. We designed a novel functional performance test tool, which we named close kinetic chain dynamic lower extremity stability (CKCLE) test to assess hip muscle functions. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between CKCLE test and hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor strengths. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited in the present study (13 males and 9 females). The hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor muscle strengths were measured using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. When the examiner said “Go”, the subject performed the CKCLE test by moving one leg from the floor and touching the opposite knee and then return to the floor while maintaining the bridging position. The subjects attempted as many “touches” as possible in the allotted time (20 seconds) during the maximal tests. The correlation between the hip muscle (extensor, external rotator, and abductor) strength of the supporting leg and the number of CKCLE tests performed in 20 seconds was determined using the Pearson correlation. Results: Hip extensor (r = 0.626, p < 0.05), hip external rotator (r = 0.616, p < 0.05), and hip abductor muscle strengths (r = 0.475, p < 0.05) positively correlated with the number of CKCLE tests performed. Conclusion: We designed a CKCLE test and found that performance in the test correlated with hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor muscle strengths. The result suggests that the CKCLE test can be applied as a performance test to assess the functions of the hip extensor, external rotator, and hip abductor muscles.

본 연구의 목적은 유도 허벅다리걸기 기술 발휘 시 발목 관절의 테이핑 처치가 하지 관절과 압 력중심(COP, center of pressure)에 미치는 영향을 분석하는데 있었다. 대학 유도 선수 20명(연령, 20.9±0.8세; 신장, 168.6±7.4cm; 체중, 73.5±11.6kg; 신체질량지수, 25.7±2.6kg/m2)이 참여하였으며, 발목 관절 테이핑 처치 전과 후의 2가지 조건에서 허벅다리걸기 기술 발휘 시 지지다리 관절의 각도와 압 력중심 요인을 분석하여 다음의 결과를 도출하였다. E2(t=2.411, p=.027) E4(t=2.388, p=.029)시점에서 발목 관절의 각도는 테이핑 처지 전에 비해 처치 후 발목의 각도가 통계적으로 적은 수치를 나타내었고, E2(t=-2.343, p=.032) E3(t=-4.531, p=.000)시점에서 힙 관절의 각도는 통계적으로 크게 나타났다. 그리 고 발목 관절 테이핑 처치 후 좌·우의 COP 이동은 상대를 메치는 P3 국면에서 통계적으로 크게 나타났으 며(t=2.670, p=.016), 전·후의 COP 이동은 상대의 무게 중심을 기울이는 P1 국면에서 통계적으로 적은 수 치를 나타내었다(t=2.846, p=.011). 그러므로 허벅다리걸기를 특기로 사용하는 유도 선수들은 발목 관절 테이핑으로 인해 발생하는 지지관절의 운동 기능과 COP의 이동범위를 고려하여 사용하는 것에 대하여 제 안하고자 한다.

Background: The wall squat exercise has been recommended for strengthening of the lower extremity muscles with maintaining lumbar lordosis. Although squat has been studied to be related to lower extremity extensor strength, the relationship between wall squat and lower extremity extensor strength unclear. Because squat and wall squat are biomechanically different, study on the relationship is needed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the lower extremity extensor strength associated with wall squat performance. Methods: 74 healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in this study. The volunteers were measured hip and knee extensors strength and then performed wall squat exercise for maximum count. Results: We found significant relationships between wall squat performance and hip extensor strength normalized by body weight, knee extensor strength normalized by body weight and the composite value. In a regression analysis, hip extensor strength normalized by body weight explained 29% of the variation in wall squat performance in males and 35% in females. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that hip extensor strength normalized by body weight is critical to wall squat performance in both sexes.

본 연구는 양발 착지 시 성별에 따른 상해 경험이 무릎과 엉덩관절의 움직임 및 수직 지면반력에 미치는 영향을 분석하는데 목적이 있었다. 20대 남성 20명(상해 경험 8명, 비상해 경험 12명), 여성 20명(상해 경험 11명, 비상해 경험 9명)을 연구대상자로 선정하였다. 높이 45cm 박스에서 양발 착지를 통해 얻어진 운동역학적 변인을 Two-way mixed ANOVA를 실시하였으며, bonferroni adjustment를 이용하여 사후검증 하였다(p<.05). 본 연구결과 상해를 경험한 여성 그룹은 무릎 관절의 외반 및 내측회전 그리고 엉덩관절의 굴곡 및 외측회전 운동을 증가시켜 최대 수직 지면반발력의 감소를 유도할 수 있었던 것으로 판단된다. 상해를 경험하지 않은 여성 그룹의 경우 최대 무릎 굴곡각도가 가장 작게 나타났을 뿐만 아니라 엉덩관절의 굴곡과 외측회전 각도에서 가장 적은 수치를 나타내었고 최대 수직 지면반발력은 가장 높게 나타났다. 반면, 상해를 경험하지 않은 여성 INE 그룹의 경우 IE 그룹에 비해 상대적으로 무릎과 엉덩관절을 활용하지 못함으로서 높은 수직 지면반발력을 나타내었고, 이는 상대적으로 상해 위험성에 많이 노출되어 있음을 의미한다. 따라서 성별에 따른 상해 경험이 무릎과 엉덩관절의 운동과 최대 수직 지면반발력의 크기에 요인들에 영향을 주는 요인들임을 알 수 있었다.

Background: After stroke, in order to improve gait function, it is necessary to increase the muscle strength and to enhance the propriocetive function of the lower extremity. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) versus closed kinetic chain (CKC) isokinetic exercise of the hemiparetic knee using the isokinetic equipment on lower extremity sensorimotor function and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Thirty participants with chronic hemiplegia (> 6 months post-stroke) were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: CKC group and OKC group. Patients from both groups attended conventional physiotherapy sessions 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, subjects from the CKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the CKC attachment, while those from the OKC group performed isokinetic exercise using the OKC attachment. The isokinetic knee and ankle muscles strength, position sense of the knee joint, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured before and after interventions. Results: The knee muscles peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) and hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio significantly increased in both groups (p<.01). In particular, ankle plantarflexors PT/BW, position sense of the knee, gait velocity, and spatial gait symmetry significantly improved in the CKC group (p<.01, p<.05, p<.01, and p<.01, respectively). Conclusion: CKC isokinetic exercise can be an effective therapeutic intervention for the improvement of sensorimotor function of the lower extremity and gait functions, such as gait velocity and symmetry. CKC position in isokinetic strength training is effective to improve functional ability in patients with chronic stroke.

Background: High-heeled shoes can change spinal alignment and feet movement, which leads to muscle fatigue and discomfort in lumbopelvic region, legs, and feet while walking. Objects: This study aimed to identify the effects of different shoe heel heights on the walking velocity and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the lower leg muscles during short- and long-distance walking in young females. Methods: Fifteen young females were recruited in this study. The experiments were performed with the following two different shoe heel heights: 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝. All participants underwent an electromyographic procedure to measure the activities and fatigue levels of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), rectus femoris (RF), and hamstring muscles with each heel height during both short- and long-distance walking. The walking velocities were measured using the short-distance (10-m walk) and long-distance (6-min walk) walking tests. Results: Significant interaction effects were found between heel height and walking distance conditions for the EMG activities and fatigue levels of TA and MG muscles, and walking velocity (p<.05). The walking velocity and activities of the TA, MG, and RF muscles appeared to be significantly different between the 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝ heel heights during both short- and long-distance walking (p<.05). Significant difference in the fatigue level of the MG muscle were found between the 0 ㎝ and 7 ㎝ heel heights during long-distance walking. In addition, walking velocity and the fatigue level of the MG muscle at the 7 ㎝ heel height revealed significant differences in the comparison of short- and long-distance walking (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that higher shoe heel height leads to a decrease in the walking velocity and an increase in the activity and fatigue level of the lower leg muscles, particularly during long-distance walking.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of manual therapy on lower extremity alignment in pelvic malalignment. The subjects were 20 adults with pelvic malalignment. They were divided into two groups: manual therapy group (n=10) and stretching exercise group (n=10). Each group performed the intervention two times per week for 4 weeks. The lower extremity alignment was measured by pelvic deviation, functional leg length inequality, and plantar pressure distribution, which were measured between pre- and post-test. In the result of pelvic deviation, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-test of the manual therapy group and stretching exercise group. In the result of the functional leg length inequality, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post- test of the manual therapy group. In the result of plantar pressure distribution, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post- test of the manual therapy group. These findings suggest manual therapy improves the pelvic deviation, functional leg length inequality, and plantar pressure distribution in the pelvic malalignment.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the biomechanical differences of lower extremity joints of the frontal plane during sidestep cutting in male and female Judo athletes. In the knee and hip joint, the female group showed a smaller angle than the male group at the time of IC(initial contact). But peak knee joint adduction moment of female group was greater than male group(p<.05). Therefore, female Judo athletes were more likely to injure their knees at the point where their initial foot contacted the ground than male athletes during sidestep cutting.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of chiropractic treatment on the alignment of the lower extremities and plantar pressure in subjects with pelvic misalignment. The study included 20 subjects with pelvic misalignment. They were divided into two groups: the chiropractic treatment group (n=10) and stretching group (n=10). They performed the intervention for 10 minutes, twice a week, for weeks, and pelvic displacement, functional leg length, and plantar pressure were measured In chiropractic group, both pelvic displacement and plantar pressure distribution were significantly decreased and leg length difference was significantly increased (p<.05). However, in the stretching group, only pelvic displacement was significantly reduced (p<.05), and leg length difference and plantar pressure distribution decreased slightly. There was no significant difference in all variables between the groups. This study suggests that chiropractic and stretching are effective in changing pelvic displacement, leg length difference, and plantar pressure distribution.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recovers the alignment of the knee joint, but fails to automatically restore the alignment and function of the hip and ankle joints. It may affect the alignment and stability of the knee joint, therefore therapeutic intervention in hip and ankle joint is necessary for the rehabilitation process after TKA. Objects: The aim of this study was to comparison of the effects of the two exercise methods on the coronal plane alignment after TKA. This study conducted an experiment by dividing subjects into a lower extremity isometric co-contraction group (LEIC) and a quadriceps isolated isometric contraction (QIIC) group. Methods: A total of 37 subjects were randomly assigned to the LEIC (n1=19) or the QIIC (n2=18). Exercise was applied to five times per week for three weeks, starting on the eighth day after surgery. Range of motion exercises were performed as a common intervention and then each group performed quadriceps isometric contraction exercises with 10 sets of 5 repetitions. Radiological imaging was performed prior to surgery, one month and six months after surgery. In addition, the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) and tibiotalar angle (TTA) were measured. Results: The HKA was close to neutral in the LEIC rather than the QIIC (p<.05). The LEIC showed varus and the QIIC exhibited valgus TTA (p<.05). In a comparison of HKA and TTA over time, there was no significant change in either group (p>.05). According to the comparison of the TTA before surgery, the LEIC showed significant changes in the varus direction (p<.05), while there was no significant change in the QIIC (p>.05). Conclusion: The LEIC method triggered changes in the TTA and brought the HKA close to the neutral. Thus, LEIC is more effective than QIIC in creating stability in the coronal plane alignment of the knee and ankle joints after TKA.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of swiss ball program training on lower extremity function of old elderly with mild cognitive impairment. The subjects were 30 mild cognitive impairment eldrly people aged between 65 and 80, who were divided into the swiss ball program training group(n=15) and the control group(n=15). The swiss ball program training group engaged in a 50-minute exercise session using. Lower extremity function scale of the two groups were measured before and after the intervention. The results are as follows. According to the swiss ball program training conducted to examine the effects of the training on lower extremity function, Moreover, the two groups showed significant differences in lower extremity function. These results indicate that virtual reality training is effective in improving lower extremity function. To conclusion, swiss ball program was found to have a positive effect on elderly lower extremity function. Swiss ball program training can be proposed as a form of fall prevention exercise for the mild cognitive impairment. Swiss ball program may be helpful to reduce the incidence of dementia and behavioral complications.

This study aims to comparatively analyze lower extremity joint moment during the take-off phase in high jump and thus to provide the basic data for enhancement of highschool students' high jump skills. 2 highschool students - one males and one females - were chosen for the experiment in which the 3D image analyzer and ground reaction force measuring unit were adopted. The results are as follows: Similar to the changing patterns from lower extremity joint moment but, moment values it turned out that male were better than female. The flexion and extension moment of lower extremity were most significant, abduction and adduction, medial rotation and lateral rotation were relatively small. The moment value in sagittal plane, frontal plane, transverse plane were appeared larger in the order of hip joint-knee joint-ankle joint. The muscle activity of knee joint and hip joint were acts in conjunction with sequential knee joint-hip joint.

The purpose of this study was to investigate drivers' postures in different car pedal systems and skilled levels under fatigue. Twenty four subjects participated in this experiment. For three-dimensional analyses, six cameras (Proreflex MCU-240, Qualisys) were used to acquire raw data. The parameters were calculated and analyzed with Visual-3D. In conclusion, ROAs of two leg-pedal system were less than one leg pedal system by pattern analysis. Through statistical tests, skilled levels have effects on ROAs(X, Y, Z) of ankle joint at breaking a pedal and ROAs(Y, Z) of ankle joint at accelerating a pedal. Also, car pedal systems have effects on ROAs(Y, Z) of ankle joint, and ROA(Z) of knee joint at accelerating a pedal. In addition, skilled levels and car pedal systems (cross effects) have an effect on ROA(Z) of ankle joint. These findings suggested that we should improve a present single pedal system.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lower extremity resistance training using elastic bands on balance in elderly people. Eight elderly persons each were randomly assigned to a test group(resistance exercise group, REG) or a control group(CG). FRT and TUG test were used to compare balance before and after exercise. Exercise programs were implemented three times a week for 40 minutes for nine weeks. They did warm-up exercise for 5 minutes and then lower extremity resistance exercise using elastic bands for 30 minutes. And then they did cool-down exercise for 5 minutes. TUG and FRT significantly decreased but in the control group it did not significantly decrease. In comparison between the groups, TUG and FRT significantly reduced in the resistance exercise group compared to the control group. Lower extremity resistance training using elastic bands performed by elderly persons are considered to be effective in improving balance.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ankle joint mobilization with movement (MWM) on the range of motion (ROM) in the ankle, on the muscle strength of lower extremities, and on spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic hemiplegic patients. Fifteen subjects with chronic stroke were divided into two groups: an experimental group (8 subjects) and a control group (7 subjects). Both groups attended two or three sessions of physical therapy each week. The experimental group also attended additional MWM training sessions three times a week for five weeks. For both groups, the ROM of the ankle, the muscle strength of the lower extremities, and the spatiotemporal gait parameters in paretic limbs were evaluated before and after the training period. The results showed that the experimental group experienced more significant increases than did the control group in terms of passive (6.10%) and active (21.96%) ROM of the ankle, gait velocity (12.96%), and peak torque, of the knee flexor (81.39%), the knee extensor (24.88%), and the ankle plantar flexor (41.75%)(p<.05). These results suggest that MWM training in patients with chronic stroke may be beneficial in increasing ROM in the ankle, muscle strength in the lower extremities, and gait speed.

The purpose of this study is to identify which width of the base of support(BOS) is safer and more effective in lifting by comparing muscle activations and body sways when lifting objects under the width variation of the BOS. A total of fifteen healthy adults participated in this study. For the width variation of the BOS, the participants changed the width between their feet into three different types(10cm, 32cm, 45cm) and lifted a 10kg four times in each type after going up on a force plate. In order to measure body sways according to the width variation of the BOS, a motion analysis system was used. In addition, in order to measure the muscle activations of lower extremities, including the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior, an electromyogram(EMG) analysis was employed. In addition, the Borg's scale was drawn by quantifying the subjective discomfort levels felt from each width of the BOS. In conclusion, no statistically significant differences according to the width variation of the BOS were observed(p=.295, .308)(p>.05). However, a statistically significant difference was exhibited between the Borg's scale, which indicates the discomfort levels from lifting performances, and the width variation of the BOS (p=.000*).